Wellbeing developer Therme Group has announced a strategic partnership with thermal leisure operator Wund Holding to accelerate the company's business growth, with immediate plans for four destinations worldwide.

Therme currently has active projects in mainland Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and the UK, the latter being a £175m (US$228.7m, €205.7m) scheme in Manchester, UK which was granted planning permission on 5 March.

The 113,000sq m (1.2 million sq ft) development on the site of EventCity in Trafford, will be a tropical-themed, warm water wellbeing resort.

Set to open in 2022, the site will be anchored by a 65,000sq m (700,000sq ft) main building, which will include a waterpark and wellbeing facilities, as well as botanical gardens.

The site will be divided into four areas: Galaxy will include a waterpark and family areas with slides and pools; Elysium will have relaxation areas, saunas, steamrooms, spa and mineral pools; Palm will be a botanical garden with palm trees and extensive plantings, while the Genesis zone will offer a wide range of treatments for conditions such as arthritis.

Therme Group says the new partnership, will underpin all its new developments, delivering the highest standards in customer experience and sustainability.

"This is a natural step for both companies and will consolidate our future position as a global wellbeing leader," said CEO, Dr Robert Hanea. "This ongoing partnership will enable us to continue to create the world’s most advanced family-friendly wellbeing resorts for customers worldwide."

Following the announcement, Edelfried Balle, Wund Holding's managing director, will take up the position of managing director of a newly-formed business – a consolidation of both companies' architectural and technical capabilities – Therme ARC.

"Therme Group is the ideal partner for us," said Balle. "Its global footprint will open up many opportunities to make the best possible use of our unique capabilities in the design, planning, construction and operation of large-scale thermal resorts."